MUFON Northern California Case Briefs - No 11 - 1996

Magazine Overview

This issue of CASE BRIEFS: EXPLORATIONS & REVIEW, published by the Northern California Chapter of the MUTUAL UFO NETWORK (MUFON), is dated May/June 1996 and is identified as Issue #11. The magazine features a blend of detailed case studies, investigative reports, and critical commentary on UFO-related topics.

Case 1: The Perils of Kathleen (Part 10)

This section, authored by Virgil Staff, State Director of MUFON No. California, continues the account of Kathleen's alleged extraterrestrial encounters. Kathleen has reportedly glimpsed three types of reptilians, with notable differences in eye size between Type I and Types II and III. The narrative details an encounter on a ship with a six-foot-tall reptilian possessing a single, large, five-to-seven-inch diameter eye. The creature was covered in red-orange scales with yellow tints on its lower chest. Kathleen found the creature fascinating, comparing it to lizards and Hollywood monsters. The regression session was noted as potentially too short to recall all details. The reptilian's stature was estimated to be six feet or more, and it lacked a nose, mouth, ears, or chin.

Further details emerge about the reptilians. The Type II and III reptilians had two eyes, described as large and mostly yellow with black vertical pupils. Their mouths were wide horizontal slits, and they possessed jagged, fang-like teeth. A white bone-like structure extended from the top of their heads down to their necklines, forming a V-shape on the face. These beings walked on hind legs and were described as 'big guys' over six feet tall, with a unique knee structure resembling cat and dog knees. Their tails were long and could wag. The hands had seven red-orange, webbed claws, approximately two inches long, which were white and felt more solid than cat claws. The underside of the paw was black with lighter black spots, cushioned like a cat's paw. The feet were described as circular, with reddish-orange webbing and darker skin between the claws.

Kathleen also reported experiencing 'flashes' of different things, including greys, upon dozing off, which she now believes may be evidence of visitations during the night. The reptilian's communication was described as more emotional, conveying calmness, unlike the greys, which are perceived as more mental and less emotional.

Case 2: Terror in the Night

This case, also by Virgil Staff, details a series of unsettling events experienced by inhabitants of a ranch southeast of San Jose. The area is described as having 'palpable and haunting presences.' Reports include burn marks, trees sheered in circular forms, square holes in the ground and trees, and 'angels hair.' The phenomena are compared to those surrounding Whitley Streiber's experiences.

The narrative focuses on a specific incident in 1987 where the witness and his wife were disturbed by strange dog barking, followed by sounds of something trying to enter through the front and back doors. The witness heard a 'rough hand' sliding down the walls and the opening of a bedroom door. He retrieved a gun and heard the entity move further down the hall, bumping into a chair. After confronting the entity, it ran across the top of the house and disappeared. The dogs were terrified, and despite a search, nothing was found. The following night, similar sounds occurred in the woods, and two distinct steps were heard. The witness initially dismissed it as a deer, but the recurring events led to the area being jokingly referred to as 'running around the woods.'

Another incident occurred around September 1990, when the witness was awakened by a moving waterbed and felt something step on his foot. He then experienced a four-minute period of paralysis, accompanied by a humming sound, as if hit by a stun gun. Approximately two months later, a similar event happened while he was lying flat, with a wave of energy moving from his feet to his midsection, causing paralysis for five minutes. The witness had been telling his father about these events, who suggested he see a psychiatrist. The witness also noted finding circles punched in the woods. The area around the house had been bulldozed to create a clear zone for visibility. The sheriffs had been called multiple times but found nothing.

His wife, Janet, reported seeing a shadow move off the deck and down the stairs. Another incident involved the witness hearing two things crashing down bushes in the woods, triggering security lights, and the dogs refusing to leave the deck. Despite grabbing a shotgun and calling the police, nothing was found. The witness, familiar with the woods, expressed frustration at the lack of explanation for the noises and the feeling of a presence.

A ship was also reported to have come over the house.

Introduction to Fyffe, Alabama (Part V)

Authored by Ted Oliphant, III, Training Coordinator for MUFON Northern California, this section details UFO sightings and related events in Fyffe, Alabama.

Oliphant describes his patrols at night, noting the clear stars and Milky Way. He recounts a sighting of a large, boomerang-shaped object with five lights, described as the size of an airliner, seen by Assistant Chief Works and Patrolman Norman Smith. Oliphant himself saw a small light shoot forward at high speed.

He also describes a speaking engagement in Atlanta, where his documentary 'UFOs: A Need to Know' was shown. During a patrol with dispatcher Billy Potter, they observed a bright red light hovering from behind trees and then moving into the distance. Billy Potter mentioned seeing similar things over his house frequently.

Oliphant discusses the financial aspect of UFO presentations, noting that he was reimbursed for expenses from a speaking engagement. He also mentions meeting a TV star. Upon returning to Fyffe, he received a call from the Alabama MUFON State Director, Jeff Ballard, who linked red lights to cattle mutilations, a concern that Oliphant initially dismissed.

The article then details a sighting by cattle rancher David Worrel, who observed an orange glow that turned into 'pink cobwebs' and a yellow bar of light. The next morning, one of his calves was missing, with the gate locked and no sign of escape.

Another incident involved the Ridgeway family and Scoutmaster Don Brown, who saw a 'cluster of stars' that transformed into a large triangular craft. Gene Ridgeway described the sound as similar to 'a hundred 18 wheelers in idle,' and estimated its size relative to the Fyffe water tower. Thomas Ridgeway described the underside as resembling a printed circuit board with hooks. Gene Ridgeway speculated that if the craft revved up, it would 'blow the house away.' Assistant Fire Chief Dobbins agreed, recalling a similar sighting in the late 1970s that resembled an aircraft carrier.

Reviews: Nova Succeeds Again

This review, by Virgil Staff, critiques a PBS edition of NOVA titled "Kidnapped by UFOs?" The reviewer asserts that the program featured debunkers who attacked abduction researchers like Budd Hopkins and John Mack. The program is characterized as propaganda aimed at the uninformed, using irrelevant historical data and discredited contactee tales. The reviewer criticizes NOVA's attempt to link UFO flaps to media exposure and questions the methods of the academics involved, including Carl Sagan, Robert Baker, Michael Persinger, Paul Horowitz, Elizabeth Loftus, and Richard Ofshe.

Robert Baker, a psychologist, is quoted as suggesting abductions are related to hypnogogic dreams and that therapeutic good is not done by informing people they may have been abducted. Michael Persinger's experiments involving sensory stimulation are mentioned, with the reviewer questioning their relevance to abductees not artificially stimulated. The reviewer dismisses the program's approach as a 'disgrace' and criticizes the academics' arrogance and tendency to dismiss unconventional views.

Dr. Michael Greenwood is quoted on the concept of 'body memory,' suggesting that the body is an energy field holding memories unknown to the mind. The reviewer contrasts this with the conventionalists' view of abductions as hallucinations, highlighting the limits of their willingness to explore the phenomenon. The article concludes by questioning the media's portrayal of truth and suggesting that media outlets are often bought.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed accounts of alleged encounters with non-human entities, particularly reptilians and other beings, often involving regression therapy. The magazine also focuses on unexplained phenomena, strange occurrences at rural locations, and UFO sightings. A significant theme is the critical examination of mainstream media and academic approaches to UFO research, with a clear stance favoring open inquiry and skepticism towards debunking efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of support for UFO researchers like Budd Hopkins and John Mack, and a distrust of conventional scientific and media narratives that dismiss or misrepresent the phenomenon. The magazine champions the idea that 'body memory' and subjective experience are valid areas of investigation, contrasting this with the perceived limitations of conventional academic approaches.

Title: CASE BRIEFS: EXPLORATIONS & REVIEW
Issue: MAY/JUNE 1996
Publisher: MUFON Northern California
Country: USA
Language: English

Main Articles and Themes

Media Criticism and Academic Attitudes

The issue opens with a critique of the mass media, citing works like Noam Chomsky's, Ben Bagdikian's "The Media Monopoly," Martin Lee and Norman Solomon's "Unreliable Sources," and James Fallows' "Breaking the News: How The Media Undermines American Democracy." The article posits that the mass media functions as propaganda, implying that public broadcasting like PBS should not be expected to offer unbiased content.

The text then transitions to discussing conventional academic attitudes, suggesting that academics are increasingly defensive about their positions, particularly concerning ufology. It argues that a lack of open-mindedness among academics leads them to miss out on public insights, and that ufology challenges the current scientific paradigm, creating an adversarial relationship.

Perspectives on Scientists

Two notable statements from scientists are presented:

• Dr. Arthur David Horn, who holds a Ph.D. in physical anthropology from Yale University and was a professor for fourteen years, is quoted from his study "Humanity's Extraterrestrial Origins." He states that "Essentially, all of the scientists are dependent upon government money – a vast majority of all scientists in the United States are lackeys of the government. This is amazing, as very few scientists... are aware that they are part of a cover-up, or know they are a part of a system to propagate misinformation and maintain the status quo." (pp. 166-167).
• Dr. James D. Watson, co-discoverer of the double helix, is quoted from his book "The Double Helix" (c. 1968). He writes that many scientists he knew were "cantankerous fools who unfailingly backed the wrong horses. One could not be a successful scientist without realizing that, in contrast to the popular conception supported by newspapers and mothers of scientists, a goodly number of scientists are not only narrow-minded and dull, but also just stupid." (pp. 18-19).

Events and Announcements

Support Groups and Skywatches

• New Experiencers Support Group: Erick Schwartz is forming a UFO Alien Contact / Paranormal Experiencers support group in Santa Cruz County. For more information, contact him at 408/475-7901.
• Summer Skywatch Camp Out: The San Francisco Chapter of MUFON is hosting its 2nd annual Summer Skywatch Campout at Kelsey Creek Campground on the south shore of Clear Lake, California, from August 9th to 11th. Reservations are recommended, with sites costing $16.00 per night. Susan Hybloom is organizing a special skywatch for Saturday night. Information on pets and reservations can be obtained by calling the State Park campground directly or Destinet.

Media Corner

• Television & Radio: Listings are provided for UFO-related programs:
• "Sightings" on KPIX Channel 5 (Sundays, 4:00 p.m.)
• "Paranormal Borderline" on KBHK Channel 44 (Tuesdays, 9:00 p.m.)
• "The Extraordinary" on KTVU Channel 2 (Sundays, midnight)
• "UFOAZ" on Viacom Cable Channel 53 (alternate Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.)
• Art Bell's "Dreamland" is broadcast on almost 200 stations nationwide, airing 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the west coast, and can be heard on KSFO 560 am in the Bay Area.
• KPFA FM 94.1 Berkeley: Will present "UFOs: Fact or Fiction?" on Thursday, June 13th at noon.

Events Listings

• MUFON Bi-Monthly Bay Area Meeting: Usually held on the third Sunday of odd-numbered months. The next meeting was scheduled for Sunday, March 17th, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Church of Divine Science, 1540 Hicks Street, San Jose, with a $3.00 donation requested. Featured speakers for the May 19th meeting included Robert Macy and Dennis Trimble discussing electromagnetic fields and G-Force meters, and D. Jess Fritch discussing the secret space program. No meeting was scheduled for July.
• International UFO Congress: A new monthly lecture series in May features Dea Martin, a former aura reader for the U.S. Government, speaking on her work and that of other gifted individuals with U.S. agencies, focusing on UFO-related issues. This event was scheduled for Saturday, May 25th, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Orinda Masonic Auditorium. Other lectures are planned for the 4th Saturdays of July and August.
• Star Knowledge UFO Conference and Sundance: Conference dates are June 12-15, and Sundance is June 17-22. Registration fees are $100 before June 1st and $125 after, with an all-day pass at $30. Guest speakers include Standing Elk, Thomas Banyaca, Wallace Black Elk, Robert Morning Sky, Robert Dean, Barbara Marciniak, Darrell Simms, Leo Sprinkle, Richard Boylan, Marilyn Carlson, Robert Frissel, Georgio Bongiovonni, John Mack, Whitley Streiber, and Gordon Michael Scallion. The event is held at the Yankton Sioux Reservation at Marty, South Dakota. Travel information is available via phone.

Editorial Stance and Submission Information

Case Briefs: Explorations and Review

The publication is established as a forum for the open exchange of ideas and information. The opinions expressed by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the MUFON Northern California Chapter, MUFON International, Inc., or the editorial staff. Articles, news items, reviews, and event information can be submitted to the Case Briefs Editor at MUFON Northern California, P. O. Box 7668, Landscape Station, Berkeley, CA 94707-0668. Submissions should include name, mailing address, and phone number. Diskette submissions (Microsoft Word for Windows or compatible) are also accepted and will be returned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of media influence, the perceived resistance of conventional science to unconventional topics like ufology, and the sharing of information within the UFO community through events and publications. The editorial stance emphasizes open exchange of ideas while clarifying that published opinions are not necessarily those of MUFON.